Housing appeal turned down over impact on Shropshire Hills

The proposal to build three homes on land at Fairview, The Titrail, Lion Lane, Clee Hill, was rejected by Shropshire Council, and now a planning inspector has turned down a bid to overturn the decision.

The application had sought permission to build two three-bedroom detached houses.

However, planning inspector Alexander Walker, who visited the site in November last year, said the homes would "diminish the rural character" of the area.

He said: "The proposed dwellings and their associated garages would be adjacent to existing built form, including two recently built dwellings immediately to the east and the Golden Lion public house (currently vacant) and three newly built holiday cottages on the opposite side of the lane.

"However, the erection of two dwellings on the appeal site would inevitably erode the openness of the site which makes a positive contribution to the character and appearance of the area.

"Moreover, the intensification of the existing built form within the vicinity of the site would fail to reflect the existing sporadic pattern of development, introducing a more urbanised setting that would diminish the rural character.

"This urbanising effect would be exacerbated by the proposed widening of Lion Lane, which itself is very rural in its character and appearance. The increased width of such a large section of the lane, which would likely involve cutting into the land to its side and the loss of existing hedgerows, further detracting from the rural setting."

Mr Walker said that the proposal would have some benefits but overall, would be negative for the area.

He said: "The proposed widening of Lion Lane would improve highway safety. Furthermore, the proposal would provide some economic benefit, albeit limited, by creating construction jobs and using local materials. Moreover, it would make a positive contribution, again albeit limited, to the supply of housing.

"However, the site is not readily accessible by foot or public transport to services, facilities or employment opportunities and, as I have identified above, it would significantly harm the character and appearance of the AONB.

"Whilst the identified benefits of the scheme weigh in favour of the proposal, I do not find that, individually or cumulatively, they outweigh the harm it would have by virtue of it undermining the council’s housing strategy and the significant harm it would have on the character and appearance of the AONB."